Filmmaker Daniel Shravan has suggested that non-violent rape should be legalised in order to prevent rapists from murdering their victims, and that when women are being assaulted by rapists, they should cooperate in the act and not attempt to call the police. He said they are better off offering the rapist a condom in order to avoid getting killed.
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has shared pictures of the appalling posts made by Shravan on his Facebook page. In one of the posts which has since been removed, Shravan argues that “rape is not a serious thing but murder is inexcusable”.
The filmmaker later said that “society and women's organisations" are to blame for these murders, rather than the actual culprits. Legalising non-violent rape, he says, is the only way to control these types of brutal deaths, so that the rapists don't fear being taken to justice and leave their victims alive after rape. In this context, Rape is better than murder.”
“Murder is a sin and a crime. Rape is a corrective punishment. No justice is going to happen with Nirbhaya Act or (name withheld) Act. The agenda of rape is fulfilling the sexual needs of rapists based on that time or mood.”
“Instead of Dialling 100, Carry condoms with You. Save yourself using condom,” he further posted, along with the hashtags #ThePerfectFlirtTips #CarryCondoms #SaveUrLife
The filmmaker, however, later deleted all his posts on Facebook, and posted a new message apologising for his comments.
He backed his comments, saying that the lines were of a villain from his upcoming film and that his audience has misunderstood him.
The post, however, grabbed attention on Twitter with some suggesting that he seek medical help.
Recently, the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 27-year-old veterinary doctor in Hyderabad galvanised the country into seeking a sustainable and long-lasting solution to deal with the rising menace of sexual assault in the country.
In a separate incident, a 70-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh was raped and had to be hospitalised.